Well done you, your surgery has been and gone! When the big event is finally over, it’s important to keep on top of what you need to do once you’re awake and home from the hospital, to ensure your endometriosis post-op recovery goes to plan.
Here are our top 5 tips for your post-op recovery.
Follow post-operation medical instructions
Your doctor or nursing staff will provide you with important information on what to do to help your recovery be as successful as it can be.
Post operation information generally covers areas such as the after effects of the anaesthetic, how to care for your stitches, how to monitor vaginal bleeding and bowel movements, what to eat & drink and information on pain management and appropriate medication to take while you recuperate.
Make sure you read and understand everything, and if you have any questions, it’s always best to talk to your doctor.
Monitor your symptoms
You will be in pain after your laparoscopy; however, it should be more and more manageable as the days and weeks pass. If your pain is way too OTT and it’s getting worse, contact your doctor for advice. Symptoms such as out of control abdominal pain, or a wound that’s incredibly painful or oozing a strange liquid could be signs to look out for.
It’s important to remember that every person’s endometriosis experience is different, and symptoms may vary. Check with your doctor if anything feels or looks odd to you.
Rest
Now’s not the time to tackle that home DIY project or start training for a marathon. To ensure your wounds heal and your body recovers, say no to any heavy lifting or strenuous exercise.
It is important, however, to get those walks in. Walking to and from the lounge and the kitchen (via the snack cupboard) a few laps around the couch (via the snack table) or up and down the hallway (via the snack shelf) all count and can aid in your recovery.
You know all those television shows and books everyone’s always recommending to you? Now’s the perfect time to catch up on that list. When you’re back at school or work, you can then recommend them to everyone else!
Don’t feel guilty about napping during the day. Your body needs time to recover from the anaesthetic and the surgery. Listen to it and if it’s telling you to sleep in between podcast episodes, then that’s what you should do.
Ask for help
It’s a great idea to have an endo buddy on hand to help you with your recovery. If you live alone, why not ask a friend or neighbour to pop by, or go back home for your parents to take loving care of you. They are more than likely thinking of ways to help you anyway.
Not only is it great to have someone to help you with the washing, getting your post-op compression stockings on and off, or picking up some takeaway, it’s also a good time to share your endometriosis experience with the people who love and support you – you aren’t alone.
Celebrate your strength
A positive mindset will be an important factor in your healing in the weeks after your surgery. Your doctor may tell you that they found severe endometriosis after your laparoscopy. Try not to focus on the diagnosis, but rather be empowered by knowing more about your body and your condition and how you will successfully manage it going forward
Your recovery time could be the start of a great new chapter – celebrate how strong you and your body are for getting through this serious surgery.
Written by,
Celia Drummond
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